The Bucs And Boye Mafe
January 26th, 2026
Surprise! The Bucs need upgrades at the edge rusher position.
If the position isn’t addressed before the 2026 draft, then it’s fair to assume the Bucs’ front office doesn’t believe it can win postseason games next season.
Does Joe think the Bucs will go all-in with a whatever-it-takes approach to upgrade at edge rusher? Absolutely not. That doesn’t mean the team can’t improve significantly.
The bar is low. Chris Braswell can’t rush the passer. Haason Reddick was a mis-evaluated money flush. Anthony Nelson is a depth piece. And Markees Watts couldn’t get snaps in front of the aforementioned threesome.
So what kind of player will the Bucs seek to play opposite YaYa Diaby and essentially replace Reddick?
Joe thinks Seattle’s Boye Mafe could be that guy. He’s been buried in the Seahawks’ very deep edge rusher rotation. He turns 28 in November and was an early second-round pick out of Minnesota in 2022.
Mafe’s best year was 2023, his only as a true full-time player. He recorded 9 sacks and 6 passes defensed on what was a bad Seattle defense.
In addition to watching Mafe, Joe’s read various Seahawks fan takes on him. The consensus says he’s a quality player whose 2026 salary will be far greater than what he’s worth to Seattle.
Mafe played 20 snaps against the Rams yesterday in the NFC Championship game. He’s been durable in his NFL career and played every game this season with only 2 sacks.
The draft crowd knows Mafe is a freakish athlete at 6-4, 260 pounds, very much a YaYa Diaby clone physically.
Mafe will have a market, but he won’t break the bank if he doesn’t have a big Super Bowl finish, and he certainly should represent an upgrade in Tampa. There are other options, but Mafe is a name to keep an eye on.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:36 am
Odafe Oweh is the exact player we need. Plays and an edge and tenacity that we need, and produced well in a few games with the Chargers.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:43 am
He can definitely Rush the passer. I remember wanting us to draft him. If the price is right, and it won’t be, we’ll have to overpay a bit, but this is a move I would make.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:45 am
That would be a nice start to this pathetic defense!!! Go Bucs
January 26th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Ideally we sign at least 1-2 guys like this at DE, ILB, & DT. Then hit those positions again in the draft.
I’d be fine completely ignoring offense and secondary and going completely all in on revamping the front 7 and pass rush.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:56 am
Hope he can cover a WR 25 yards downfield.
With Bowles running the defense it will not matter what caliber of defensive players you bring to Tampa.
The best option now is to go all in on the offense in an attempt to outscore the wide open Swiss cheese soft as butter pee wee league level defense.
We will need to average 35+ points a game to even have a chance at victory.
Draft a RB, WR, QB, OG, IOL, TE, OT.
There’s no need to waste money on the defense.
January 26th, 2026 at 11:58 am
It doesn’t matter who we draft or bring in FA just as long as we use them to cover WR instead of rushing the passer
January 26th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Rondetime,
Tough to argue with you for 2026, but I would like to restock the defensive cupboards for the new coach in 2027.
One year under Bowles shouldn’t hurt the new draft picks that much. Just hope he doesn’t have a say in who they draft.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Sign Odafe Oweh at Edge and Devin Lloyd at LB and that would be a good start.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Add nakobe dean
January 26th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Bucs need to also address the backup roles. Braswell, Watts and Anthony Nelson has to go. They do not raise the floor of the defense.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Just think how mad we’ll be if Braswell goes to a team that knows what they’re doing and he’s actually good.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Hear me out… what if just had safety type players play OLB? It only makes sense in Todd’s weird defense that nobody seems to understand but him.
Never forget Anthony Nelson’s responsibility was to cover James Cook on a go route. I can’t believe Todd Bowles is so stubborn he won’t mainstream his defense so people can understand it better.
January 26th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I think we need a real Edge period. Yaya is fine, but he’s more a secondary piece that flashes sometimes. We need a new JPP or Simeon Rice type. I understand its a huge cost but our cap will be less restricted this year now that we have no dead money I dont think there is anymore excuses why we dont get a 1A player.
As many have mentioned, I wouldn’t stop with a big signing; I would still draft someone in the first round as well. You cannot have too many pass rushers, and the draftee can work his way on Yaya’s side or be a depth piece until the big signing we have retires etc. The big-time pass rushers available are a little older so they wouldn’t be around forever.
I’d go MLB next. There are some very good FA options, and we can draft some as needed. I think this would get us a quick turnaround. (being optimistic)
January 26th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Any defensive coaching interviewed yet?
January 26th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
Kgh4life Says
“Bucs need to also address the backup roles. Braswell, Watts and Anthony Nelson has to go. They do not raise the floor of the defense.”
Braswell only just completed his second year. Players should have 3 years to develop. Also, he is good enough for depth.
Watts has completed his 3rd year and I agree.
Anthony Nelson is great…depth. Seven years in, but he actually produces like a decent backup.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:01 pm
What about a trade for herbig on the steekers? Worth a shot.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
This is the kind of player Licht looks for, low risk, MAYBE high reward
January 26th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
Add him and Bush or Lloyd or Dean or Walker at ILB and then use the draft to draft 1 edge and ilb in 1st 3 rounds. Trade up for Styles or back for Hill Jr. then get Howell or Messidor or Height in Round 2
January 26th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
Anthony Nelson needs to put on 30 to 40 pounds on a cycle, and play DE/DT.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
Unless the Bucs pay big bucks no player will want to come to a losing team.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
It’s sign Trey Hendrickson or bust at this point
January 26th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
Can he cover tightends and running backs? That’s what the scheme will require him to do rushing the QB lmao you guys are funny.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
If we can’t get stars, we need to get solids, as Joe points out, this is would be an upgrade for us. We need to do the same at all front seven positions at defense.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Nelson is no longer a depth piece, he needs to be replaced. Watts? Please, he’s no good either. Licht has done a horrible job with the front seven. No DT’s, no ILBs, no edge rush. Some ROH G.M. we have. Expect more JTS’s, Reddicks, and Dennis’s until Licht is thrown out with Bowles.
January 26th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
His stats are arguably worse than Diaby’s.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
YES to this signing.
I keep saying, we don’t need just one guy, give me 2 other guys like Yaya and we’re in good shape with the others we already have. We need consistent push but also depth. Does us no good to spend a ton on a Bosa type then lose him for the entire season, because luck would have it.
January 26th, 2026 at 2:21 pm
“If the position isn’t addressed before the 2026 draft, then it’s fair to assume the Bucs’ front office doesn’t believe it can win postseason games next season.“
No it’s safe to say this assumption is what most assumption are, wild guesses
January 26th, 2026 at 2:23 pm
“Never forget Anthony Nelson’s responsibility was to cover James Cook on a go route”
Also scored a TD before our offense did in New Orleans
Pros and cons right?
January 26th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Is Boye George available?
January 26th, 2026 at 3:33 pm
but can he cover a fast tight end or back in soft zone
January 26th, 2026 at 3:36 pm
We should put DB’s on the edge so we have better coverage in Bowles ridiculous scheme.
January 26th, 2026 at 3:54 pm
Diego Pavia measured in at 5’9 at the senior bowl….he better start running routes
January 26th, 2026 at 3:58 pm
Nelson WASN’T assigned to cover Cook on a go-route, he dropped to cover the flat, had no one there to COVER, saw that Cook was wide open headed to the end zone, so he did what he could. It was yet another busted coverage (by someone else)
January 26th, 2026 at 4:09 pm
And we interviewed Navy DT Landon Robinson 😈 his RAS is going to be ridiculous. Pay no mind to him being 6ft tall, he treats gaps like an orthodontist and is going to run a 4.7 40 before or after lifting every weight in Indianapolis.
Late day 2 at best?
January 26th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
@Lord Cornelius don’t forget we need a TE and oline depth too.
I hope we address Edge, DT, TE, OL, and ILB via trade or FA and then double tap each position via the draft
January 26th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
Joe, You DON’T expect the Bucs to spend money on FA?
I think you are 1000% WRONG!
Licht is fighting to save his job. He’s going to chuck a bus at FA this year.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
“If the position isn’t addressed before the 2026 draft, then it’s fair to assume the Bucs’ front office doesn’t believe it can win postseason games next season.“
If stars were available at a number that would fit the cap space, we would sign them all day, but if they are really good, they aren’t available, and why overpay for a guy coming off injury or on the down side of their career? Have to have the right situation to fit into the cap. But, yes, the draft has been horrible for defense, with maybe the exception of the defensive backfield. Got to do better.
January 26th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Off topic, just want to know when we sign Mike again can he go to like a Yoga type thing in the off seasons for his Hammies, if I remember correctly Gruden use to take them to yoga stuff, Hell Willie G use take Ballet. 🤷🏾♂️
January 26th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
Why are we not asking about defense coaches…..Who is going to coach that side of the Bucs………
January 26th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
This story shows you how bad Joe wants a DE…. Wrote a whole story on a guy who had 2 sacks this year. I’m sure every team has a backup that’s got 2 sacks this last year. Joes gone from wanting Garrett to 10 guys that have 2 sacks. Joes like Gruden was with QB’s, always needing way too many except he wants to do the same with DE’s! I applaud you sir!! Keep beating that drum!!
January 26th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Sounds interesting – worth keeping an eye on.
But the real question, is he a good corner? Because Bowles is going to want him dropping 40 yards deep into zone coverage on every other down.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:27 pm
I would expect to see the FO look at a couple B-Grade Edge OLB’s vs going for a single high dollar option….(Boye Mafe fits that B-Grade Edge OLB in the $8-9M/yr range)…While also looking for value in the mid-rounds of the draft.
Personally, I would target K’Lavon Chaisson (PATS) as another OLB fit for Bowles scheme…& I said the same thing last off-season.
That dude has a ton of tools but was misused in JAX as a hand-on-the-ground DE for several years, then proved he was a worthy rotational OLB in LV in 2024 before getting a breakout chance in 2025 in NE – earing nearly 70% of OLB snaps (& 8 sacks) for Vrabel’s SB bound Pats.
He’ll hit FA at the right time & be playing his age 27 yr in 2026…Cost will be in that 3yr $25-28M range as a UFA, which fits the Bucs cap the next few years…And FO would be buying the prime of his career.
Bucs could have gotten him last off-season for $8M/yr to snag him this go round….But I would still swing for it, as the increase is not a deal breaker contract…& leaves funds to find a legit starter ILB on the open market too. (Wasted $14M on Reddick in 2025)
With only YaYa, Nelson, Braswell, Kamara & the unknown of David Walker coming of injury….Bucs Edge/OLB room is sorely lacking in quality and depth.
Adding guys like Mafe and Chaisson would make perfect sense without hurting the team’s ability to fill other wholes while staying under the cap….Leaving draft capital in Licht’s pocket to fill “best available” instead of chasing from a position of uncertainty.
Hope is not a plan…Can’t hope that the right guy falls in the draft. Can’t hope Braswell asll the sudden figures it out or Walker comes back & takes the league by storm. Need reliable rotational pieces that bring proven production & capabilities.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
If this guy can’t cover Tez in practice we can’t take him. The only reason Vea is still on the team is because he’s such a dominate DB when his number is called. Vea’s not allowed to rush the passer because he’s so badly needed as a nickel corner. So I’m sure this guys isn’t a toe on the line DE/OLB because he can only rush the QB.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:42 pm
Miller5252 Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
If this guy can’t cover Tez in practice we can’t take him. The only reason Vea is still on the team is because he’s such a dominate DB when his number is called. Vea’s not allowed to rush the passer because he’s so badly needed as a nickel corner. So I’m sure this guys isn’t a toe on the line DE/OLB because he can only rush the QB.
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Excellent analysis!
This is why Nelson lost snaps after that Buffalo game. I mean why are you even on the field at DE if you can’t rush the passer, then instantly break off the pass rush to cover a 4.4 RB 40 yards down the field. Go find the bench Anthony, you’re done!
January 26th, 2026 at 6:44 pm
Miller5252 Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
This story shows you how bad Joe wants a DE…. Wrote a whole story on a guy who had 2 sacks this year. I’m sure every team has a backup that’s got 2 sacks this last year.
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Joe could write about Clowney who had 9 sacks last year.
Or he could write about a younger guy buried on a depth chart who had 9 sacks two years ago.
I’d rather know about the younger guy — we already know about Clowney (who, btw, I’ve never had an issue of bringing in as he keeps piling up sacks year after year despite a rep for being unproductive).
January 26th, 2026 at 7:14 pm
Joe what you described is the same kind of player Shaq was when he played behind Von Miller in Denver. Could we strike gold twice? But then again we could have Reggie White and Simeon Rice and it wouldn’t matter because Bowles would have them covering wide receivers! 😩
January 26th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
When you run the 3/4 unless you are blitzing someone at OLB is dropping back into coverage. Doesn’t mean you can’t take Hall or Roberts out and rush 4 including both OLBs though.
January 26th, 2026 at 8:16 pm
draft:
2 de
2 ilb
after that i guess do whatever the f you want with 5-7…
when a defense is in complete disarray, an article like this is rendered
January 26th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
rod –
interestingly, clowney had 4.5 of his 8.5 sacks in his last 2 games of the season vs the giants and washington…
just a little food for thought
January 26th, 2026 at 8:57 pm
I hope the Bucs use FA wisely & get at least a upper level DE edge but as soon many pointed out Bowels will use them at pretty much anything other than pass rush. Im interested in weather the Bucs have even contacted a DC oe any other Defensive coaches personally i don’t think Bowels will hire a Defensive play caller cause hes so delusional he thinks the Defense is good . Our Rock Star GM will waste at least 1 or 2 picks on some guy from a small school looking for that diamond or who ever plays for K State or what ever other player he thinks will learn the position in the NFL. hes never even drafted a Edge thats stayed in the league has he. I don’t think many top level Edge players will want to play for a lame duck coach & GM anyway why come here & cover WRs ,RBs, &TEs . Nothing will change this next season until the Bucs make changes at the top
January 26th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
We could have had Matt Nagy as OC.
January 26th, 2026 at 9:28 pm
Need all the help we can get. I love Jason but he’s gotta stop drafting edge rushers. I applied for trying but that’s about his only weakness when it comes to drafting. Trade trade trade like we did with JPP
January 26th, 2026 at 10:20 pm
Unless we severely overpay him, he has no reason to come here and have his career destroyed because his talents are so badly misused by our “defensive guru”.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:22 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
We could have had Matt Nagy as OC.
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I have no idea what your fascination with Nagy is. Pretty much everyone watching the Chiefs the last few years have wondered what was wrong with the offense. It’s a dull, boring and predictable offense for the most part that was only bailed out by Mahomes making huge plays in crunch time – and the Bucs don’t have a Mahomes. The fact that the Chiefs basically fired Nagy to hire Bieniemy seems like confirmation of what the problem was.
January 26th, 2026 at 10:24 pm
adam from ny Says:
January 26th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
rod –
interestingly, clowney had 4.5 of his 8.5 sacks in his last 2 games of the season vs the giants and washington…
just a little food for thought
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Yeah, I know — just amazing he finished the year with that high of number since I forgot he was even still playing. But he signed a 1yr/$3.5M deal – which looks like the deal of the century compared to $14M for Reddick.
January 27th, 2026 at 12:43 am
Interesting. Makes me wonder if he is on Jasons radar. Can Jason get another one like JPP? Or Shaq? Hey I can hope can’t I?
Go Bucs!
January 27th, 2026 at 2:46 am
Great he can rush the passer, but the more important question is, how is he in pass coverage?
January 27th, 2026 at 5:42 am
Sign Devin White and teach OLB. It’s what they should have done when he was here. He’s fast, better than the average OLB at coverage and knows how to rush the passer.
January 27th, 2026 at 7:41 am
If ONLY he knew how to perform his assignment for any given play